Just some of the super stuff my siblings taught me.....

"To the outside world, we all grow old. But not to brothers and sisters. We know each other as we always were. We know each other's hearts. We share private family jokes. We remember family feuds and secrets, family griefs and joys. We live outside the touch of time." - Clara Ortega

I am fortunate enough to be the youngest of four children. Even though my parents think the best present they bought us was the trampoline, I think the best present we got was each other (I guess I inherited them as I was born last but technicalities aren't the driving thoughts of this post.)

All my three siblings' (and my mother's) birthdays fall in May. So really, May is about celebrating he people who have known me my whole life, the people who are the most influential on who I am. 

This May, they are all in the Northern Hemisphere, either living or travelling, and since a the blog dedications to my mum and dad last year went down pretty well I think I'd best compile a sibling version.......

These are lessons based on actual childhood memories or things they have taught me

1. If you run away, you will get lost
2. Showing off doesn't get you far
3. Patience- 4 kids, 6 hours, 1 gameboy in the car
4. Don't tell tales or cry for attention
5. Respect your elders and wait your turn
6. You might be small, but you can still be brave
7. Be competitive, be your best
8. How to eat a biscuit silently
9. Making false claims like that you can sing better than Maria in "The Sound of Music" will result in tears
10. How to steer a go cart
11. How to make a mix tape
12. How to catch, tackle, do a flip and flip a pancake in the air
13. Learn on the job
14. Sometimes, you have to start again
15. Don't give in to other people's smoke, mirrors and bribery
16. Loyalty
17. Dressing up like an old lady to go to church is a great way to pass the time
18. Don't stuff your bra
19. Ultimately, it's a game
20. Empathy
21. How to be a good host
22. Shining light from mirrors or reflective surfaces into people's eyes is not cool
23. How to be a good partner
24. Always have a designated spot for your keys and your passport
25. How to be so proud to be part of something so awesome
26. Allow time for your mates
27. No matter how uncool you think they are, always stick by your parents
28. To love someone unconditionally even when they set your hair on fire and put your nose in the microwave

 "Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet." - Vietnamese Proverb

Happy Birthday guys 
Jj xx